“Yes, imagine if I had drowned. Think of all the blank walls at the Blue Lion Hotel.” Kelly was keenly aware of his scrutiny.
He cleared his throat. “I’d like to take you out to dinner tonight if you’re up to it?”
The offer filled her with pleasure. “That sounds easy enough. I think I’m definitely up for that.”
An expression of satisfaction showed in his eyes. “Good. I shall pick you up at the living room couch at exactly six pm.”
He went to his room to make some phone calls, and work on his lap top computer. Kelly decided to take a nap before she showered and got ready for the evening.
True to his word, Peter was ready at six pm sharp. He raised his eyebrows appreciatively and gave a slow whistle when he saw her. She was wearing a periwinkle silk jacket dress, and white heels. The skirt showed off her beautiful tanned legs. Her hair was loose, spilling around her shoulders.
“Are you the same girl who was just in a boating accident?”
Kelly’s cheeks warmed. “It’s all an illusion of makeup and hairspray.”
His gaze roved over her. “I think not.”
“Shall we go?” She blurted out.
He laughed out loud, “You modest little thing you, yes, let’s get going.”
He helped her into his Rover with a warm hand on her arm. Electricity ran down her body. She settled into her seat as he gracefully climbed in. The engine started with a purr, and they drove down the bumpy road towards town.
He had made reservations at one of the town’s best fish restaurants. The man at the front desk greeted them both warmly. He recognized Peter and hurriedly seated them at a secluded table in a corner. The waiter came and took their food order quickly, asking if they would care for a cocktail.
“Let’s have a nice bottle of champagne.” Peter suggested. Kelly studied him as he talked to the waiter. His profile was sharp and confident. His shoulders were broad, and the muscles rippling under his white shirt quickened her pulse.
Maybe Gayle was right. Maybe she should take a chance on Peter. She couldn’t deny her attraction to him. The more time she spent around him, the more time she wanted to spend.
The waiter appeared with a bottle of champagne and popped the cork noisily.
He poured glasses for both of them and then discreetly disappeared.
Peter’s fingers, tapered and strong, caressed the glass. He lifted it slightly and raised his eyebrows. “I would like to propose a toast.”
Kelly obediently raised her glass. “What shall we toast to, world peace?”
Peter’s expression made her catch her breath. “No, I was thinking something a little closer to home, how about to life itself, and not wasting chances.”
She seemed incapable of dragging her eyes from his. Her soft cheeks were of rose and pearl. Her lashes swept down to cover the desire that she felt certain he could see smoldering in her eyes.
“Maybe I am going out on a limb here… but the other day… when the boat capsized…” He stopped.
She felt herself nodding, almost against her will.
He looked up. “I find you attractive, as you already know, but there is more to it than that. I really enjoy your company. Your humor, the way your brain works. I think we are really compatible.”
She bent her head and studied her hands. She gave a big swallow, and bit her lip, looking up she met his curious gaze.
“I’m not really the kind of girl that just sleeps with everyone I find attractive.”
His jaw tensed. “I never thought you were.”
“Well… you don’t live here. I mean permanently. I… I can’t afford the luxury of just jumping into bed with you, when you could be gone tomorrow.”
He was quiet for a time. “I don’t plan on being gone tomorrow.”
She raised her chin. “Yes, but you do plan on being gone sometime soon, right?”
Dipping his head slightly, he said, “Well, I don’t have any actual plans to stay here permanently, no.”
All her earlier pleasure left her. She’d been right. He’d simply wanted an affair. How convenient for him if she would only agree. They lived together already. No one would be the wiser. Then when his time was up here, he could just pull up stakes and be on his way. Only, it wouldn’t be that easy for her. She would be the one left behind.
There was defiance in her tone as well as a subtle challenge. “What made you think I would go for this? Or did you think a nice bottle of champagne, and some words about life and death were all it would take?”
He looked at her, frowning. “I’m not trying to trick you into anything, Kelly. I find you desirable, and I never made any pretense about living in Sea Light Cliffs for the rest of my life.”
Her eyes were stony with anger as she boldly met his gaze. “Well it would seem you misjudged me, Peter. I have no interest in your plans. I suggest you find some other gullible female in town that you find desirable and pick on her instead.”
His face flushed and his mouth was set in annoyance. “You silly twit, I didn’t have any grand plan to seduce you. I thought maybe the attraction was mutual, in fact, I know it is.”
“Look I owe you my life, and I would like to keep things friendly, but…” She shook her head, her voice quiet.
A tense silence enveloped them. Finally Peter looked up and regarded her quizzically. “I can’t figure you out. One minute I think I know what you’re feeling, and the next it’s like we can’t communicate to save our lives.”
“What do you expect me to say? I guess I’m not the sophisticated woman you seem to think I am.” It seemed impossible to steady her erratic pulse. “I just don’t work the way maybe a lot of women do. I can’t sleep with you Peter and not become attached.”
“Well I never said no one was going to get attached. I just said I had no actual plans of living here permanently. I’ve had no reason to make those kinds of plans, Kelly.” He reached across the table and took her hand in his. “I only know that when I thought… you were going to die… that was unbearable.”
She let him take her hand, feeling a lurch of excitement inside her. What was he telling her? That there was a possibility he might stay? His thumb caressed the palm of her hand and her knees felt weak. His gaze traveled over her face and searched her eyes.
The waiter appeared out of nowhere with their plates of food. Peter released her hand quickly. They had both ordered the steak and fresh lobster tail. But looking at it now, Kelly felt certain she couldn’t eat a bite. Her stomach was in knots.
Peter seemed to be picking at his food as well. Kelly felt nervous and drank her champagne faster than she normally would. Trying to figure Peter out was emotionally exhausting. She wasn’t used to this feeling of insecurity. Not counting her relationship with Robert, she’d always managed not to fall too hard.
She didn’t like this feeling of having to guess what Peter felt, it was unsettling. She took another sip of her champagne, studying him as he took a bite of his steak. He exuded masculinity. There was a restless energy about his movements. He set his fork down suddenly, and caught her looking at him, his eyebrows raised inquiringly.
“Do I have food on my face?” His smile was strained.
“No more than usual.”
His smile brought an immediate softening of his features. “See now, that’s just the kind of thing I like about you; you’re a smart ass.”
A smile played at the corners of her mouth. “Not everyone is as good a sport as you about it.”
“Thank you.” He bowed his head towards her.
“Of course you provide me with more material than most people too.” She couldn’t contain her grin.
Peter laughed out loud, and the atmosphere seemed more relaxed. “Are you very much behind in your painting now, with the accident and all?”
Her defenses began to subside as the conversation touched on more casual issues. The rest of the meal passed quite nicely. Both of them were careful to keep the topics light, and they laughed and joke
d as if the initial awkwardness had never happened.
The waiter brought the bill, and Peter paid it, tipping generously. They went out into the cold night air, and Kelly gave a shiver. Peter moved in an instinctive gesture of comfort placing his arm around her shoulders, and pulling her close to his side, as they walked next to each other. Her heart was racing at his nearness. They reached the car, and he helped her in, holding her door.
The drive back to the cottage was quiet, her insides jangled with excitement. They let themselves in and switched on the kitchen light.
“Would you like some coffee? I’m going to make some.” Her voice was unsteady, and she set about pouring the water so she could hide her nervousness.
Peter came up behind her, and gently took the coffee decanter from her nervous fingers, turning her body towards his. His finger tenderly traced the line of her cheekbone and jaw. Her mind was spinning with bewilderment as a tumble of confused thoughts and feelings assailed her.
Slowly and seductively his gaze slid downward, taking in the creamy expanse of her neck. A delightful shiver of want ran through her. He was so close, she could feel the heat from his body, as his arms encircled her, one hand in the small of her back.
“I won’t make love to you unless you want me to.” His husky voice was against her ear, he pulled back his head to search her face.
Their eyes locked, and he could see the bare passion in hers. He gave a small groan as his lips pressed against hers, then gently covered her mouth. His lips were hard and searching, Kelly felt her soft curves molding to the contours of his lean body.
She’d fought this yearning for so long, and yet she was shocked at her own eager response to the touch of his lips. She knew this could be trouble, but she couldn’t seem to help herself.
His hands explored the soft lines of her waist, her hips, returning back to her face. He cupped her face gently, peering deep into her smoky eyes. She could sense the barely controlled power that was coiled in his body, but his face was inscrutable.
He pulled reluctantly away and held her at arm’s length. She remained absolutely motionless for a while, her lips red and bruised from his kisses. Her pale cheeks flushed with passion.
“What’s the matter?” her voice trailed off.
“I can’t do this.” He seemed confused by his own behavior. He raked a hand through his hair.
Kelly fought to control her swirling emotions. Her mind was spinning with bewilderment. “I don’t understand.”
He took hold of her shoulders, and pulled her against him, stroking her soft golden red hair. “I don’t know how to explain it, but I care too much about you, to go through with this.”
Kelly buried her burning face against his shoulder. Her body still ached for his touch, but that fact angered her. If he could so easily stop, what was wrong with her? She twisted out of his grip.
“Well, this isn’t at all awkward is it?” Her trembling voice belied her attempt at bravado.
Peter’s cheeks reddened. “How do you think I feel? I’ve wanted you since the first time I saw you. Believe me; it isn’t that I don’t want to, Kelly. It’s just there are some things you don’t know, or wouldn’t understand.”
She had no idea what he was getting at, but she was humiliated by his rejection. She managed to force out, “It’s just as well. I’ve had too much champagne. I can guarantee I’d have regretted it in the morning.” Her voice was emotionless.
“Kelly.” He didn’t sound like he believed her.
She closed her eyes, feeling utterly miserable. Her earlier passion was gone, replaced by a pounding headache. “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll go to bed now. My head is killing me.”
She turned and walked with stiff dignity to her room, closing the door quietly and decisively behind her.
****
The next morning when she awoke the house was silent and still. Kelly was relieved that Peter was probably gone already. She had barely slept a wink, but when she had finally fallen asleep, she’d dreamt of Peter’s sympathetic face. She was embarrassed for having given in to him in the first place, but humiliated that he had been the one to put a stop to it. She lay in bed miserable at the knowledge that if he had wanted to have her, she’d have been more than willing.
She forced herself to get up and shower. After her stay in the hospital, it was imperative that she get some painting done today.
She skipped breakfast and went straight into her studio. She seemed to have trouble concentrating on her work. She used to be so disciplined. She would work on her art days at a time. Ever since Peter had come into her life, she’d had difficulty keeping her mind on anything but him. She flushed and poked feverishly at the canvas, remembering the passion of his kisses, and her own abandoned response. He’d made it very obvious all along that he found her desirable, so what had stopped him last night? He’d said there were things she wouldn’t understand. Did those things have anything to do with the feeling she had that he was hiding something from her?
Kelly painted until mid-morning, and with a start remembered she had a lunch date with Jerry. She hurriedly stripped off her smock and changed into a pair of soft cotton denim pants in Seafoam, and a soft white cashmere sweater. The idea was to keep it all very casual, no skin.
Jerry arrived exactly at twelve thirty. He beamed at Kelly as she greeted him at the back door. She really didn’t want to invite him in, so she slipped quickly out the door, locking it behind her.
A wide grin split Jerry’s face, and his blonde hair swung around his broad shoulders. “It’s great to see you, you look wonderful. Sure you didn’t make up that boating accident thing now?”
Kelly laughed, walking with him towards his white pickup truck. “I wish I had.”
Jerry opened the truck door for her, and went around, climbing in behind the wheel. Kelly studied him as he pulled the truck around and out of the yard. He had a sensitive face. In this light she saw he was more attractive than she had initially thought. He was tall, broad shouldered, and his eyes were a startling light blue, and they turned to her now.
“Like what you see?”
Kelly laughed, “Caught me, just wondering about whom I’m having lunch with. I really didn’t get a good look at you in the dark the other night.”
“You mean it wasn’t my devastating good looks that got you?” He faked disappointment.
“Not really, it must have been your groovy dance moves.”
“Ah yes. Sure baby, that gets all the chicks.”
She was fairly certain he was joking, but not a hundred percent. “So where are we eating?”
“I thought we could go to the Rod and Reel. Like seafood?”
“Love it.” She relaxed in her seat a little. One lunch with him wasn’t leading him on too much. She was determined to discourage him before the end of the day.
They arrived at the restaurant and were seated promptly. The waitress seemed quite taken with Jerry. She was blushing and giggling while taking the order. Jerry and the girl seemed more suited for each other, in Kelly’s opinion. Gee what a fun date she was, trying to set her companion up with the waitress. She suppressed a smile.
“Tell me about the boat accident. Did you think you were a goner?” His intense eyes drilled into her. “How did you manage to save yourself?”
Kelly paused. “Um, actually I didn’t save myself, the person I was with saved me.” She grimaced uncomfortably. “I’m afraid I wasn’t up to the challenge.”
Jerry shook his head. “Man, what a piece of luck somebody was with you.” He paused. “Who was with you?”
“My roommate was with me.” She drew an invisible line on the table cloth. “Good thing he was too.”
His brows shot up. “You live with a man?”
“We’re just roommates, acquaintances really.” She felt unwelcome pink come into her cheeks as she imagined what Jerry would say if he had seen them last night.
“Oh wow, that’s a relief.” Their food arrived and Jerry talked about
his job at the local surf shop. “It’s really just a temporary position, you know, until I can get a permanent lead position as a lifeguard.”
Kelly nodded. They were from such completely different worlds. He was very nice, but there was no chemistry, at least, not for her. She thought about how there was a little too much chemistry with Peter, and flushed.
She tried to keep the conversation superficial. She shared about her family and painting, disclosing nothing about her past, nothing about Stephen or Peter.
Jerry leaned back in his chair, squinting his eyes. “So, would you want to go dancing some time?”
Girding herself with resolve, Kelly cleared her throat. “Well, Jerry… you’re a really nice guy, but…”
“Please, not the nice guy line.” He groaned and leaned his head on the table. He looked up at her pursing his lips, his blue eyes bright, and perceptive. “There’s someone else, isn’t there?”
Stains of scarlet appeared on her cheeks. “Why? Is that the only reason a woman could resist you?” She smiled to cover her embarrassment.
“Pretty much, sure.” He smiled. “I kind of sensed it the other night. Not that exactly, but a certain sadness about you. You know, your soul is lost.”
“My soul?” Kelly squeaked.
“Your inner self. Not soul in like a God way, more your inner child.” He was very serious.
She was helpless to halt her embarrassment. Jerry was on a roll and thought he had her figured out.
“You need a cleansing experience. Hey, you should go surfing, man. It clears the head like nothing else.”
Now it was all she could do not to burst out laughing. “Thanks Jerry, but honestly, I am not really the surfing type. Besides, I am not in a big hurry to jump into the ocean at the moment.”
He slapped his forehead. “Yeah, right, the boat thing.”
“The boat thing was actually very frightening.”
“Sure… So who is he?”
Kelly gulped. “He?”
“The source of heartache, man. My competition.” Jerry leaned toward her, his brow knit.
Kelly laughed helplessly. “I think you have me pegged wrong, you think I’m far more mysterious and interesting than I actually am.”
The Art of Hiding Page 13